JUNE 2025 USN Hospital Corpsman MELISSA NEAL of Virginia received 2024 Kubota RTV from Work Vessels for Vets

US Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Hospital Corpsman Melissa Neal served multiple tours in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and Norway before she was medically retired with 100% permanent injuries in 2018. She started F-Hof Farm where she and her husband Aaron, also a veteran, breed Kiko goats for meat and breeding stock for sale, as well as producing free-range eggs. Using her childhood experience on one of the largest dairy farms in Pulaski County, Virginia and drawing on her military values of discipline, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving, Melissa is determined to carve out a successful farm to produce high-quality, nutritious food for all.

This week, Work Vessels for Vets purchased a 2024 Kubota RTV from a local veteran to accommodate Melissa’s injuries as she works full time on the farm.